Types of Plant layout

1. Office Layout

• Purpose: Comfort, safety, and information flow for workers.
• Focus: Information movement, utilizing a task-based approach.

2. Retail Layout

• Purpose: Maximize sales per square foot via product exposure.
• Key: Store arrangement and space allocation.
• Servicescape: Considers ambiance, spatial layout, and signage to affect customers and employees.

3. Warehouse Layout

• Purpose: Maximize space utilization, minimize handling costs and damage.
• Key: Balance between handling and space costs.
• Cross-docking: Immediate processing, avoiding storage.
• Random Stocking: Automated storage anywhere in warehouse
• Customizing: Value-added services like component modifications.

4. Fixed-Position Layout

• Purpose: For stationary projects; workers and equipment come to the location.
• Examples: Ships, bridges, buildings.
• Key: Manages limited space, dynamic material needs, changing volumes.

5. Process-Oriented Layout

• Purpose: Low-volume, high-variety production with similar equipment grouped.
• Key: Flexible production, handles varied products/services.
• Goal: Minimize material handling costs.
• CRAFT: Software for complex process layouts.

6. Work-Cell Layout

• Purpose: Focus on producing a single product or family of related products.
• Key: Reorganizes resources into a focused group
• Advantages: Reduced inventory, space, and cost. Improved employee morale.

7. Product-Oriented Layout

• Purpose: High-volume, standardized products.
• Key: Efficient flow, low cost per unit with product sequence focus.
• Types: Fabrication lines (components) and assembly lines (final product).
• Assembly Line Balancing: Workstation time must balance to ensure smooth flow.
  • Objective: Minimize imbalance and maximize efficiency
  • Time: Determine time for all tasks.
  • Precedence: Establish sequence for tasks.
• Efficiency: Measure of how well balanced the work is.
• Idle Time: The time when workstations or employees are idle.